Status of the artist

The Status of the Artist is an international principle that recognizes the vital role professional artists play in society and seeks to improve their social and economic conditions.

In New Brunswick, this principle has been advanced through legislation and other initiatives developed from the province’s Status of the Artist Report, which identified the challenges artists face and the need for stronger recognition and protections.

Professional artists in New Brunswick enrich our lives and strengthen our communities. They form the foundation of the province’s creative sector, generating cultural, social, and economic benefits for everyone.

Recognizing artists as workers with rights, responsibilities, and distinct professional realities helps ensure fair treatment, sustainable livelihoods and a resilient arts ecosystem for future generations.

The Status of the Artist Toolkit provides practical resources for artists and those who engage their work. It is designed to clarify the content of the act, support fair practices, and offer guidance that strengthens relationships between artists, organizations, and the public.

2014 – A Status of the Artist forum was held and a task force established, with representation from Indigenous, Acadian and Anglophone arts communities.

2021 – The Report of the Premier’s Task Force on the Status of the Artist was released, including 24 recommendations on legislation, research, programs, awareness and advocacy.

2023 – The Status of the Artist Transition Committee was created, bringing together seven government departments, three professional artist associations and the New Brunswick Arts Board (artsnb) to advance the report’s recommendations. A dedicated project executive was hired to coordinate this work across government and the arts sector.

2025 – The Status of the Artist Act was introduced, marking a major step forward in recognizing and supporting professional artists. Work continues on complementary Status of the Artist initiatives.

The 2021 Status of the Artist Report outlines 24 recommendations to improve the socioeconomic status of professional artists in New Brunswick.

These recommendations focus on:

• establishing a legal framework for professional recognition
• improving understanding of creative work and its value
• expanding programs and opportunities for professional artists
• addressing economic insecurity and access to social benefits

The task force also partnered with university researchers Martine D’Amours and Marie-Hélène Deshaies who co-authored the Report on the Status of the Artist in New Brunswick (2021). This report explores taxation, remuneration, labour legislation models and best practices that help reduce the barriers and challenges faced by arts professionals.

Progress has been made on 15 recommendations outlined in the report under provincial jurisdiction. The additional nine recommendations fall under federal jurisdiction, and a strategy is being developed to move these recommendations forward.

Legislation progress includes:

• adopting Status of the Artist legislation to formally recognize and support professional artists in New Brunswick
• including provisions related to contracts and fair pay, reinforcing professional standards across the arts sector 
• developing a Status of the Artist Toolkit to support the implementation of the legislation

Improvements and investments in programming include: 

• $360,000 funding increase to artsnb to expand the Artist in Residence Program 
• artist-focused improvements to implementation of the Public Art Policy
• new and improved Artists in Schools Registry

UNESCO Recommendation (1980)
Addresses power imbalances by recognizing artists as workers who deserve fair conditions, professional recognition, and legal protections. 

Canadian Status of the Artist Act (1992)
Establishes artists’ right to organize and negotiate through associations. 

International & Local Approaches
Countries and provinces build on this framework in different ways, including through legislation, support initiatives, and workplace standards. New Brunswick became the seventh Canadian province to adopt Status of the Artist legislation.